More speed cameras planned for UK roads

Drivers are facing more points and more fines for motoring offences as the
Government plans to introduce more cameras on Britain's roads.

More speed cameras planned for British roads

By Chris Irvine

7:00AM BST 22 Apr 2009

Police are also expected to crack down on drink and drug-driving, while random breath-testing will become more common.

Drivers are facing a ban after only two speeding offences with penalty points being doubled to six points for drivers who exceed the speed limit by 15mph in a 20mph or 30mph area, or by 20mph in higher speed zones. More action against uninsured and unlicensed drivers is also set to be introduced.

It is thought the option for drivers caught moderately above the drink-drive limit to request a second test by a doctor, potentially falling back under the limit while waiting, is also set to be scrapped.

Careless driving on the other hand, which is currently punishable with a maximum fine of £2,500, will be downgraded to a £60 fixed penalty.

The speed limit on A-roads are set to be reduced to 50mph in an attempt to cut the number of road deaths by a third while drivers also face limits of 20mph on residential roads and near schools.

As part of a 10-year strategy to make Britain's roads "the safest in the world", the "time over distance" cameras that measure a car's average speed over many miles are also set to be introduced en masse.

The aim is to stop drivers "surfing", when they slow down at a camera and then swiftly speed up again.

Maps identifying the location of all the accident black spots in Britain will also be published as part of the initiative to save 10,000 lives over the next decade.

The maps will show the site of a death or serious injury on the road, and may also include information on whether the victim was a driver, passenger or pedestrian, as well as the type of vehicle involved.

Ministers hope that the maps will encourage residents to lobby local councillors to introduce the reduced speed limits and other road safety measures in problem areas.

Research shows that pedestrians hit by a vehicle at 20mph have a far greater prospect of survival than those involved in collisions at 30mph.

James Flynn, chief executive of RoadPilot, whose legal devices alert drivers to speed limits and speed camera sites said: "The major government overhaul of speed limits on residential and rural roads could see a significant number of additional motorists criminalised."

He added: "Without adequate signage and driver education, many motorists could face speeding fines and points on their licence for offences they never knew they had committed."